A quarterly publication of AQU Catalunya

98

July 2020

The Institutional and Programme Review Committee (CAIP) met to approve the following protocols:

The Protocol for action for the accreditation of recognised degree programmes in the exceptional circumstances resulting from the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. According to the protocol, the following was agreed:

1.  That all QA and review procedures are to continue as normal.
2.  Authorisation was given to the director of AQU Catalunya to defer the time limits for the submission and resolution of applications to the different programmes in accordance with government guidelines and regulations that are passed.
3.  All meetings of the Institutional and Programme Review Committee and its specific (sub)committees are now to be held online, preferably by way of videoconferencing.
4. The adaptation of all procedures that can be undertaken remotely (non-physically present) with full safeguards for institutions and quality assurance.

The Protocol for action in the VSMA Framework due to the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In this protocol the following was first and foremost agreed:

1. A modification to the time limits for submitting programme specification modifications (up to 15 days after the state of emergency is lifted) and validated (ex ante accreditation) programme specifications (until 15 June 2020).
2. The postponement of all in-person site visits in relation to programme and IQaS accreditation, and the setting in place of actions to ensure that site visits undertaken by way of video link safeguard student acquisition of requisite learning outcomes. These actions are stipulated in two specific protocols for action for remote site visits (by way of video conferencing) dealing with both accreditation and certification.

In the same meeting, the CAIP endorsed the appointment of Esther Huertas to replace Josep Manel Torres as secretary to the Institutional and Programme Review Committee.